Diversity

21 pages, 1554 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Plant Diversity of Cultural Habitat Islands: Aspects of the Flora of the Mystras UNESCO World Heritage Site (Greece)

by Maria Panitsa, Maria Tsakiri, Ioannis Constantinou and Ioannis Nikoloudis

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110749 (registering DOI) - 26 Oct 2025

Abstract

The Mystras UNESCO World Heritage Site (MUWHS) is a medieval historical area located on a small hill facing Sparta in the Mediterranean hotspot of the Peloponnese and receives a high number of visitors annually. The main aim of this study is the inventory [...] Read more.

The Mystras UNESCO World Heritage Site (MUWHS) is a medieval historical area located on a small hill facing Sparta in the Mediterranean hotspot of the Peloponnese and receives a high number of visitors annually. The main aim of this study is the inventory and analysis of plant species composition and diversity of the Mystras archaeological area, with emphasis on different aspects of its flora, on the specialist endemic plants, and on the generalist ruderal and alien taxa. A high plant species richness was observed, and 321 vascular plant taxa were registered. Most of the taxa are Mediterranean or have a more widespread distribution, and half of them are ruderals. Concerning endemism, 14 Greek and 7 Balkan endemic taxa were registered. As anticipated, the most species-rich plant families recorded in the study area are Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae. The total flora is predominantly composed of therophytes, reflecting the site’s Mediterranean climate and disturbance-adapted ecological conditions while the endemic flora is mostly composed of hemicryptophytes. Comparisons of MUWHS plant diversity with four other archaeological sites of the same floristic region of Greece, the Peloponnese, highlighted its high α-diversity on all aspects of its flora and its floristic dissimilarity from the other areas and, additionally, the high plant species richness that is comprised in all five of them. Comparisons of the flora of MUWHS with other Greek and Mediterranean archaeological areas showed significant similarities in the floristic elements considered as deteriogenic for the protected walls and monuments. The findings of our study underscore the urgent need to prioritise the sustainable conservation of archaeological sites such as Mystras. These landscapes are not only cultural monuments but also reservoirs of biodiversity and ecological value. Effective management must, therefore, adopt an integrated approach that balances the preservation of historical structures with the protection of native flora and ecological processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity on Islands—2nd Edition)

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26 pages, 37058 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Species Distribution Models to Identify Overlapping Predator–Prey Conservation Priorities in Misiones, Argentina

by Karen E. DeMatteo, Delfina Sotorres, Orlando M. Escalante, Daiana M. Ibañez Alegre, Pryscilha M. Delgado, Miguel A. Rinas and Carina F. Argüelles

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110748 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Misiones province covers < 1% of Argentina’s land area yet harbors > 50% of the country’s biodiversity, with a significant remnant of Atlantic Forest, a global biodiversity hotspot. Approximately 540,000 ha of this native forest is protected, with the remaining areas facing threats [...] Read more.

Misiones province covers < 1% of Argentina’s land area yet harbors > 50% of the country’s biodiversity, with a significant remnant of Atlantic Forest, a global biodiversity hotspot. Approximately 540,000 ha of this native forest is protected, with the remaining areas facing threats from ongoing land conversion, an expanding road network, and a growing rural population. A prior study incorporated noninvasive data on five carnivores into a multifaceted cost analysis to define the optimal location for a multispecies biological corridor, with the goal of enhancing landscape connectivity among protected areas. Subsequent analyses, with an updated framework, emphasized management strategies that balanced human–wildlife coexistence and habitat needs. Building on these efforts, our study applied ecological niche modeling to data located by conservation detection dogs, with genetics used to confirm species identity, and two land-use scenarios, to predict potential distributions of three game species—lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), and collared peccary (Pecari tajacu)—that are not only threatened by poaching, road mortality, and habitat loss but also serve as essential prey for carnivores. We assessed the suitability of unique and overlapping vegetation types, within and outside of protected areas, as well as within this multispecies corridor, identifying zones of high conservation concern that underscore the need for integrated planning of predators and prey. These results highlight that ensuring the long-term viability of wildlife across the heterogeneous land-use matrices of Misiones requires going beyond protected areas to promote functional connectivity, restore degraded habitats, and balance human–wildlife needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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Graphical abstract

12 pages, 1006 KB

Open AccessArticle

Positive Selection in NADH Dehydrogenase 2 (ND2) Gene in Two Billfishes Xiphias gladius, L. 1758 and Istiophorus platypterus

by Anna Maria Pappalardo, Giada Santa Calogero, Marco Mancuso, Gea Manganaro and Venera Ferrito

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110747 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

The assumption of neutrality for mitochondrial DNA has been widely questioned due to the functional importance of the encoded proteins. Mitochondrial genes involved in the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway can be subjected to selection due to changes in some environmental conditions or in [...] Read more.

The assumption of neutrality for mitochondrial DNA has been widely questioned due to the functional importance of the encoded proteins. Mitochondrial genes involved in the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway can be subjected to selection due to changes in some environmental conditions or in the living habits of specimens in order to adapt to their environment. In this study, We search for evidence of positive selection in COI, Cytb, and ND2 mitochondrial OXPHOS genes in 100 specimens of Xiphias gladius belonging to Atlantic, Indian, and Mediterranean stocks through codon models for inference of site-specific positive selection. For comparison, the same analysis was conducted on sequences of the same genes belonging to the closely related species Istiophorus platypterus, which are present in GenBank. The ND2 sequence analysis identified a non-synonymous transversion (T to A) at the nucleotide position 293, resulting in a codon change in the Greek population of X. gladius. Selection tests showed diversifying positive selection for only the ND2 dataset in both species, at 324 codon positions by MEME and FUBAR in X. gladius and only by the FUBAR test at 19 codon positions in I. platypterus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phylogeny and Evolution)

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11 pages, 2127 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Complete Reference DNA Barcode Library for Austrian Bumblebees

by Thomas Strohmeier, Sabine Schoder, Sylvia Schäffer, Jacqueline Grimm, Christian Sturmbauer and Stephan Koblmüller

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110746 (registering DOI) - 24 Oct 2025

Abstract

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) are essential pollinators in natural and agricultural ecosystems but face increasing threats across Europe from habitat loss, climate change, and intensive land use. Austria hosts 42 recognized bumblebee species, yet comprehensive molecular data have been lacking. Here, we present [...] Read more.

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) are essential pollinators in natural and agricultural ecosystems but face increasing threats across Europe from habitat loss, climate change, and intensive land use. Austria hosts 42 recognized bumblebee species, yet comprehensive molecular data have been lacking. Here, we present the first complete DNA barcode reference library for the Austrian bumblebee fauna, generated as part of the Austrian Barcode of Life initiative. This reference library includes 586 partial mitochondrial COI sequences. DNA barcoding successfully identified all species, with distinct Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) and no BIN sharing observed, demonstrating its reliability as a complementary method to traditional morphology-based identification. Intraspecific genetic diversity was generally low, though B. jonellus exhibited notable mitochondrial structure with a complex biogeographic pattern. Our results underscore the value of DNA barcoding as a straightforward tool for accurate species identification and biodiversity monitoring, even for non-experts, while also highlighting cryptic genetic variation within widely distributed species. This reference library provides a robust framework for taxonomic, ecological, and conservation research, and supports future metabarcoding-based monitoring efforts in Austria and beyond. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue DNA Barcodes for Evolution and Biodiversity—2nd Edition)

14 pages, 2653 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Ecology of Myxomycetes (Amoebozoa) Along a Vegetational Gradient in the Peruvian Andes

by Jorge Renato Pinheiro Velloso, Laise de Holanda Cavalcanti, Italo Treviño-Zevallos, Carlos Ernesto Gonçalves Reynaud Schaefer, Marcio Rocha Francelino and Jair Putzke

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110745 - 23 Oct 2025

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Abstract

The study investigated the diversity and ecology of Myxomycetes (Amoebozoa) along a vegetation gradient in the Cuzco department, Peru, spanning altitudes from 2500 to 4700 m. Field collections were carried out at six sites distributed across three distinct vegetation formations: non-Amazonian Forest, paramo, [...] Read more.

The study investigated the diversity and ecology of Myxomycetes (Amoebozoa) along a vegetation gradient in the Cuzco department, Peru, spanning altitudes from 2500 to 4700 m. Field collections were carried out at six sites distributed across three distinct vegetation formations: non-Amazonian Forest, paramo, and high Andean zones with and without vegetation cover. The collected material was analyzed through direct observation, cultivation in moist chambers, and morphological identification, resulting in the record of 18 species, including three new records for Peru (Diderma circumdissilens, Licea tenera, and Perichaena luteola). Species richness was higher at lower altitudes and in environments with greater substrate availability, such as dead branches and mosses, but declined under extreme environmental conditions, particularly at high elevations. Principal component analysis revealed differences in community composition among the environments, associated with environmental variables and substrate types. The results highlight that the Peruvian Andes harbor a significant biodiversity of Myxomycetes, including species adapted to high-altitude conditions, reinforcing the importance of conservation and further study of these extreme ecosystems. We conclude that high mountain environments serve as biodiversity hotspots, and that future studies, including molecular techniques, are essential to understanding the distribution and adaptation of these organisms in the Andean environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Diversity and Culture Collections)

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12 pages, 2608 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Dynamics of Fisheries and Crustacean Communities in the Offshore of the Zhoushan Archipelago Seas: A Size Spectrum Analysis

by Hongliang Zhang, Feifan He, Yongjiu Xu, Zishuo Zhang, Luping Li and Wenbin Zhu

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110744 - 23 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Understanding the seasonal dynamics of the fisheries and crustacean communities are of crucial ecological significance. To investigate the structural characteristics of these communities and their seasonal dynamics in the offshore of the Zhoushan Archipelago Seas, China, this study conducted a four seasons’ trawl [...] Read more.

Understanding the seasonal dynamics of the fisheries and crustacean communities are of crucial ecological significance. To investigate the structural characteristics of these communities and their seasonal dynamics in the offshore of the Zhoushan Archipelago Seas, China, this study conducted a four seasons’ trawl survey to collect fisheries data in spring, summer, autumn, and winter of 2022. A normalized abundance size spectrum approach was applied to investigate the seasonal variation in regressed parameters (slope and intercept) for fish-only and fish-plus-crustacean communities. Our study found that average values of the slope of the size spectrum for fish and fish-plus-crustacean were −1.36 and −1.53, respectively; the overall adding effect with crustaceans in all seasons was more negative (a steeper slope). The results also showed that the adding effect of crustaceans in the fisheries communities were season-specific and region-specific. Temporally, adding crustaceans into fisheries communities contributed to more/less negative slopes in temperate/warm seasons, respectively. Regionally, the inclusion of crustaceans induced a reverse distribution pattern (nearshore–offshore) for fish abundance, as well as the re-scaled intercept, which could indicate the abundance in all seasons except in summer. It was assumed that although fish dominated the overall community structure, crustaceans contributed a compensatory effect by regulating the size distribution across trophic levels. This study provides valuable insights for the dynamic assessment and scientific management of fisheries and crustacean resources in the whole ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Marine Communities—Second Edition)

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5 pages, 2622 KB

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The Giant Barrel Sponge Xestospongia testudinaria Shelters a Number of Indo-Pacific Reef-Building Corals

by Konstantin S. Tkachenko, Yury V. Deart and Do Huu Quyet

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110743 - 23 Oct 2025

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Abstract

It is known that the giant barrel sponge (GBS) Xestospongia spp. may provide shelter or a micro-environment for multi-species coral colonies both in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic regions. An assessment of such interactions between Indo-Pacific GBS Xestospongia testudinaria and stony corals performed for [...] Read more.

It is known that the giant barrel sponge (GBS) Xestospongia spp. may provide shelter or a micro-environment for multi-species coral colonies both in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic regions. An assessment of such interactions between Indo-Pacific GBS Xestospongia testudinaria and stony corals performed for two groups of small Vietnamese islands in the Gulf of Thailand revealed at least 12 species of scleractinians associated with GBS. An average of 21.7% of all observed GBSs were found to interact with stony corals. The phenomenon of positive GBS–coral interactions without any restrictions on coral development can be regarded as a form of ecological facultative commensalism and warrants further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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11 pages, 1529 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Gut Microbial Ecology of Captive and Wild Water Deer for Understanding Mammalian Ecology and Conservation

by Chang-Eon Park and Hee-Cheon Park

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110742 - 22 Oct 2025

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Abstract

The water deer, although an internationally endangered species, is designated as a nuisance wild animal in South Korea and occupies a unique ecological niche. Studying the gut microbiome of this species is crucial for understanding its ecology. We amplified 16S rRNA DNA and [...] Read more.

The water deer, although an internationally endangered species, is designated as a nuisance wild animal in South Korea and occupies a unique ecological niche. Studying the gut microbiome of this species is crucial for understanding its ecology. We amplified 16S rRNA DNA and compared the gut microbiomes of wild water deer from three regions with those of captive water deer from one region. Our results showed that the gut microbiome diversity of water deer did not differ significantly across regions in the wild but decreased significantly when raised in captivity. The similar microbiomes of water deer living in different regions are believed to be due to dietary diversity rather than dietary homogeneity. Furthermore, the monotony of the food supply appears to lead to significant variation in captive environments. From a conservation biology and biorestoration perspective, we suggest the importance of conserving the gut environments of animals conserved and restored outside their native habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity in 2025)

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19 pages, 2821 KB

Open AccessArticle

What Are the Effects of Cattle Grazing on Conservation and Forage Value Across Grazing Pressure Gradients in Alkali Grasslands?

by Szilárd Szentes, Ferenc Pajor, Károly Penksza, Eszter Saláta-Falusi, Dániel Balogh, János Balogh, Leonárd Sári, Petra Balogh, Dániel Bori, Edina Kárpáti, Ágnes Freiler-Nagy, Szilvia Orosz, Péter Penksza, Péter Szőke, Orsolya Pintér, István Szatmári and Zsombor Wagenhoffer

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110741 - 22 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Studying the effects of grazing pressure on species composition, beta diversity and yields is important for conservation purposes as well as for grassland management. The case study area in Hortobágy, which is one of the largest continuous grassland areas in Europe, has been [...] Read more.

Studying the effects of grazing pressure on species composition, beta diversity and yields is important for conservation purposes as well as for grassland management. The case study area in Hortobágy, which is one of the largest continuous grassland areas in Europe, has been managed for centuries by grazing of Hungarian grey cattle. The effect of grazing pressure was investigated in terms of distance from the livestock enclosure (50 m, 250 m, 500 m, 1000 m, and 1700 m) and in an ungrazed control area on dry and mesic alkaline grasslands in spring and autumn of 2024. In both types of grasslands at each distance, species composition and mean plant height were recorded in six 4 × 4 m plots. Overall, in both seasons the control areas were the poorest in terms of species richness. Among the grazed areas in both grassland types the ones at 1700 m distance had the lowest number of species. The species richness of mesic grassland decreased linearly with distance. The dry grassland showed a polynomial trend and was more species-rich at all distances than the mesic grassland. Green yield was the highest in the dry grassland at 250 m in spring and at 50 m in autumn, while in the mesic grassland it was highest at 1700 m in spring and between 500 and 1700 m in autumn. Forage quality in dry grassland was lowest at 50 m and highest between 500 and 1000 m. In mesic grassland, this parameter was equalized at all distances. The highest Simpson diversity was found at a distance of 500–1000 m from the livestock enclosure in both types. It is advisable to evaluate separately the spring and autumn characteristics of the alkaline grasslands, as there may be significant differences between them. Overall, it can be concluded that alkaline dry grasslands are particularly suitable for grazing because of their species composition and their good tolerance to grazing. Alkaline mesic grasslands are poorer in species and more sensitive to grazing; consequently, mowing or mixed utilization should be considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Restoration of Grassland—2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 3700 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mitochondrial Phylogeography and Population History of the Balkan Short-Tailed Mouse (Mus macedonicus Petrov and Ružić, 1983) in Turkey and Surrounding Areas

by İslam Gündüz, Pınar Özçam, Sadık Demirtaş, Jeremy S. Herman and Jeremy B. Searle

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110740 - 22 Oct 2025

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Abstract

As a contribution to our understanding of postglacial colonisation history of Anatolia, the Caucasus and the Middle East, we increased the existing phylogeographic coverage of the widespread Balkan short-tailed mouse Mus macedonicus. This added 92 new mitochondrial D-loop sequences (73 new haplotypes) [...] Read more.

As a contribution to our understanding of postglacial colonisation history of Anatolia, the Caucasus and the Middle East, we increased the existing phylogeographic coverage of the widespread Balkan short-tailed mouse Mus macedonicus. This added 92 new mitochondrial D-loop sequences (73 new haplotypes) from Anatolia and Thrace to generate a total dataset for the species of 221 sequences (174 haplotypes). We confirmed the previously described existence of a northern lineage (Anatolia, the southern Balkans, the Caucasus, Iran and Syria) and southern lineage (Israel and Lebanon) and generated Bayesian Skyline Plots to show demographic expansion after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in the northern lineage but not the southern. We used haplotype networks to reveal haplotypes close to the ancestral condition of the northern lineage and to infer spread through its range, including colonisation of the southern Balkans. Our various phylogenetic reconstructions also show finer-scale geographic structuring. M. macedonicus likely occupied two separate glacial refugia in the vicinities of Israel and Lebanon (southern lineage) and Anatolia, Georgia and Iran (northern lineage) although further work is needed for precise localisation. M. macedonicus has become a well-worked model system for the phylogeography of a region deserving more attention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics and Phylogeography of Mammals: Molecular Applications for the Conservation and Monitoring of Genetic Diversity)

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Diversity, Volume 17, Issue 11 (November 2025) – 10 articles

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